The National African American Speakers Association (NAASA) Endorses the Development of its First Long Island Chapter

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The National African American Speakers Association has appointed Lorette Farris of Developing Stages as its first Long Island Chapter President. She is charged with the exciting task of assisting NAASA in continuing and extending its strong presence and positioning in the New York Region.

Lorette D. Farris, President and Founder of Developing Stages will become the President of The National African American Speakers Association's newly formed Long Island Chapter. NAASA is an international not-for-profit organization offering a wide range of training programs designed to develop the interpersonal, communication and presentation skills of its membership, whether for personal or professional reasons. NAASA's Founder and Chairman is Dr. Michael V. Wilkins, Sr. and its National Spokesperson is Les Brown, the renowned professional speaker, author and former television and radio personality.

Ms. Farris is an experienced leader whose background includes 10 years of high profile positions inclusive of CEO, President, COO, and Director of Compliance in the investment-banking industry. Lorette was recognized for her achievements in business when in 2001 she was honored as one of 25 "Influential Black Women in Business". She has also made several television appearances with her most recent on the Women in Business segment for the Telecare Television Center, and is a sought after business expert.

Ms. Farris' organization, Developing Stages, hosts four core competencies - business development, market development, capital formation techniques, and risk management. The Company works with start-up through growth-stage companies, and from business-to-business to business-to-consumer enterprises, whether they're for-profit or not-for-profit organizations.

The Long Island Chapter will enthusiastically pursue NAASA's stated goals - to inspire, challenge & educate (ICE) the public, business owners, associations, meeting planners and the like. Helping to develop qualified professional speakers, improving the quality of the business environment and both the economic and professional climate of the speaking industry for African Americans and other minorities.